METHOD FOR PAY-AS-YOU-GO COMPUTER AND DYNAMIC DIFFERENTIAL PRICING

摘要

A system for supplying computers with little or no upfront payment has aserviceprovider, a computer, and an optional funding account. The computer is adaptedto renderitself substantially useless unless provisioned by the service provider. Theservice providerhas a capability to collect funds from the user and to provide the datanecessary for continuedoperation of the computer. Cryptographic means may be employed to generate andreceivethe data necessary for continued operation of the computer. The computer'sself-imposedsanctions may include slowed operation, reduced graphics capability, limitedcommunication,and limited access to peripherals.